VentureWise splits with MedReleaf

NPS MedicineWise offshoot VentureWise has formally announced the discontinuation of its partnership with medicinal cannabis company MedReleaf

(PD 06 Feb), which included the development of educational resources on medicinal cannabis for pharmacists, GPs and specialists.

VentureWise managing director Greg Hughes issued a statement on Fri afternoon, confirming that his organisation had been engaged by MedReleaf “to develop independent information for healthcare professionals to improve prescriber knowledge about medicinal cannabis and the regulatory framework”.

Hughes said the project aligned with the NPS MedicineWise group’s overarching mission of improving the quality use of medicines in Australia.

However “unfortunately the scope of the project was presented by MedReleaf beyond what we originally agreed, and as a result our partnership will cease effective immediately,” Hughes said.

“We wish MedReleaf all the best with their future endeavours.”

MedReleaf Australia is headed up by pharmacist Russell Harding, who has established a joint venture with Canada’s Medreleaf Corp, an ISO 9001 and GMP certified producer of medicinal cannabis.

MedReleaf plans to sponsor universities in Qld and South Australia to perform a series of trials involving the firm’s products across several disease states.